Stop the Catcalls!

Emily May was fed up with the rude comments she and, it seemed, every young woman she knew endured when walking down the street. So in 2005, she and her friends created Hollaback! (ihollaback.org), which quickly turned into an international movement. Dedicated to fighting street harassment, Hollaback! has trained leaders in 44 cities and 16 countries to start campaigns, bolstered by workshops, marches and a blog in which 3,000 victims have posted stories and photos. May has shared data with local officials, and New York City council members now plan to make an increase in reporting a priority. The result: "Victims who felt scared and isolated," says May, "feel powerful."

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET HASSLED ...

• Try not to look as scared as you feel "Tell a harasser in a firm voice, 'That's not okay,' and just keep walking."

• Avoid escalating a situation "Don't get in a dialogue or answer questions from a harasser."

• Share your story "Don't pretend like it didn't happen-for your emotional health, and because your story has the power to impact other people."